Community Garden Program

The City of Barrie's Community Garden Program is governed by the Community Garden Policy. There are currently six community gardens in Barrie.

2021 Community Gardens Builds

New community gardens were constructed in 2021 at Riverwood Park, Lampman Lane Park, and Batteaux Park. Thank you to community partners Urban Pantry and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit who undertook the construction of these new gardens. For information about site selection and related public engagement please refer to the May 2021 Memo to City Council.

Community Garden Locations & Layouts

Garden Plot Rental Contract & Fees

Prior to renting a plot, gardeners are to read the policy and sign a Community Garden Rental Contract. The City administers the registration of the garden plots and any alterations to the garden plan. The gardeners elect a garden coordinator to operate the day-to-day functions of the garden and liaise with the City. 

• Single Plot: $20 + HST ($22.60) - 1.5 x 4.5m (5'x15')
  
• Double Plot: $50 + HST ($56.5​0) - 3m x 4.5m (10' x 15')
  

How to Rent a Garden Plot

Current gardeners must re-register for their same plot annually by October 31. New gardener registrations are accepted starting November 1 annually.

1. Fill out and sign a Community Garden Rental Contract​​.One plot per person, except after May 24th.
2. Submit the contract by mail or in person at Service Barrie with payment by cheque payable to the "City of Barrie" (please do not send cash in the mail). Mailing address:
   
   City of Barrie Community Garden Administrator
   Service Barrie, Box 400
   Barrie Ontario, L4M 4T5 

Signed contracts will be received on a first-come, first-served basis. Gardeners may pick their plot immediately if registering in person. If the contract was submitted by mail, registrants will be notified of their plot number by phone or e-mail. Your contact information will be made available to the Garden Coordinator, who will contact you when the garden is opened up in the spring. If you indicate on your contract that you are interested in being a Garden Coordinator, you will be contacted by the City of Barrie Community Garden Administrator.

Due to the limited number of plots available, you may be placed on a waiting list, in priority sequence, if the plots are all rented by an early date. Your payment will be returned to you if your contract was submitted by mail. If a plot becomes available, you will be contacted according to the waiting list priority sequence, and the fee will be due at that time. Please submit your signed contract regardless of plot availability in order to help indicate the level of community interest and the need for more garden plots.​

Communal Gardens

Communal gardens allow more than one individual to utilize plots in the community garden. By following the same rental process and policy, a group with a designated lead can apply for any available plot. The City encourages residents to experience gardens by becoming involved with the community garden program.

Seed Libraries

Brightly coloured boxes at the community gardens are part of the City of Barrie’s Seed Exchange, which is a sister service to the Barrie Public Library’s Seed Library. The exchange aims to promote biodiversity and to enable our community to become self-reliant.

A Seed Library is a place where you can ‘borrow’ or exchange seeds. The Barrie Public Library has a Seed Library at all three of its locations. There can be practically any type of seed available: flower, vegetable, herbs, shrubs. Availability and selection depend on what is at the library at the time you visit.

A Seed Exchange (or Seed Box) is a miniature Seed Library that can be found in one of the City’s Community gardens where you can borrow, exchange, or share seeds. All members of the public can access and use the Seed Exchange or Seed Library.

FAQs about Seed Libraries